I have never known what it is like to be considered as a part of a minority.

As a Caucasian, middle class, Christian heterosexual female, I usually do not have to face adversity in my daily life.

I am accustomed to being surrounded by people who, for the most part, agree with my beliefs and do not have any standing prejudices against me.

However, spending one night outside of my typical circle of night spots made me stop and think about what it means to be a part of a minority, instead of the majority.

Last Friday, at the request of one of my bisexual friends, my friends and I decided to go dancing at a popular gay bar in Champaign.

While dancing at the bar, I scanned the crowd to observe the plenitude of attractive young men. Typically, being surrounded by hot men is not a problem, but I quickly remembered none of these men would have any interest in me.

I was not used to having my female status working against me for getting the attention of the male bartenders to get served.

Exasperated, I looked at my bisexual friend and explained to her how frustrating it was to be around all these men who I had no chance with.

My friend laughed in response and said, “Welcome to what every day is like for me.”

That’s when it occurred to me that I had no idea what it is like to be the exception, not the rule.

I had never been in a situation before when almost everyone else was not of the same sexual orientation as I am.

Like many others, I have found it easy to reside safely within the restraints of my comfort zone.

This all may be fine and well, if you care to reside in a bubble. But if you want to be able to see the world from someone else’s point of view, you must seek out places and experiences you are not used to.

I am not claiming to be an expert on what it is like to be a minority because I spent one night at a gay bar, but expanding your perceptions has to start somewhere.

Think about being in a situation where you are somehow thrust into a group you would not typically be a part of, and put yourself in it.

You don’t have to look past Eastern’s campus to find events to diversify your life. The Black Student Union and Pride both put on events anyone could go to, or you could attend a church service of a religion other than your own.

You never know what you will find out about someone else when you put yourself in their shoes.